MINA’S POV

Yesterday, I unexpectedly met Mark while shopping in the mall and somehow ended up setting a date with him. I was fixing my hair when the doorbell rang. I walked through the living room and saw through the security monitor that it was him. I gave him my address yesterday since he wanted to pick me up. I opened the door and invited him to come in.

“Hello, this is for you.” Make gave me a box of chocolates.

“Thanks.”

“Nice penthouse.” He walked around the living room and looked around the place. “So, you live here on your own?”

“Yup, my dad bought this for me on my last birthday. I stay here when I don’t want to be in the main house.” I replied.

“Cool. Think I’ll buy one back in Seoul.” Mark proudly smile at me. “You can stay there with me if you want.”

“You wish.”

“By the way, I haven’t visited your house in Seoul.”

“Shut it, Mark. Jinyoung told me that you already know our set up.”

“Then, why are you staying there?” He walked closer to me. “I think it would be better if you find another place to stay.”

“It’s none of your business.” I said as I picked up my bag. “Come on, we need to go or we will be late for the bus.”

Mark and I were going to Mt. Rokko. It was one of my favorite place and since he wants a good view of Kobe, I decided to bring him there. We took the bus until we reached the cable car station. It was 2PM in the afternoon and there were only a few people in site so we were alone inside the car. The view on the way to Mt. Rokko was spectacular. Mark was pretty excited and took photos with his phone. I was getting sentimental because I really missed riding the cable car with my mom and I think Mark noticed it since I was so quiet.

“What’s wrong” Mark gave me a nudge.

“Nothing. I just thought of something.”

“How can you think of other stuffs when you are with me?” Mark smiled and I couldn’t help but laugh at what he said.

When we finally reached the peak, the two of us went to the terrace garden. From there, you can see a wonderful panoramic view of Kobe.

“Woah!” Mark couldn’t believe what he was seeing. “This is beautiful.”

“You can have a full view of my hometown from here. If you look to the other side, that’s Osaka. Sana’s home town.” I pointed out.

“How do you say ‘how are you in Japanese’?” He asked.

“Genki de su ka?” I answered.

“Sana-ya! Genki de su ka?!” He shouted from the top of his lungs. It was so cute of him that I couldn’t help but giggle. “Why are you laughing at me? Did I mispronounce it?”

“Nope. But use Sana-chan.”

The two of us continued our date in Mt. Rokko by visiting the local observatory and instrument museum. I think Mark enjoyed the museum the most since there were a lot of old traditional Japanese instruments as well as those vintage things from America.

After the long hours of walking, we went to a patisserie to rest and fill up our tummies. The both of us ordered Americano and I ordered a strawberry cake while he ordered a cheesecake.

“How was the trip?” I asked him once our orders arrived.

“It was a fun date.” He smiled sweetly at me.

Mark really has a way with his words and I can’t help but feel embarrass when he say sweet things to me.

I drunk my coffee and took a bite of my strawberry cake. It was so good and I can’t help but squeal softly in delight which made Mark laugh a little.

“Mina.” He was looking straight at me. “Why do you like Jinyoung?”

I was a little startled about his question. “You know you’re too straightforward.”

“Better to be like that than someone who is indecisive. Please answer my question.”

“Well, just being himself makes me like him. He may seem someone who’s really serious, snobbish at times, and a bit stupid but I can see that he is thoughtful and sweet. I think that he deeply cares for me even if he denies it. I can see him as someone I can depend to.”

“I think I can take care of you, even better than he can.”

I thought about what he said. It is the truth. Mark really is that type of guy that can make you fall in love and happy.

“You’re a great guy Mark, and I bet any girl would like to take my place. But sorry, there’s simply something in Jinyoung that I could not find in you.” I said to him without taking my eyes away from his.

Mark looked back at me and sighed. “What you said kind of broke my spirit.”

“You asked for it.” I replied as I sliced my cake using my fork but before I can put it in my mouth, Mark leaned forward, grabbed my hand and ate the cake instead. Beside the cake stealing tactic, I was surprised to see his face a few inches away from my face.

“It’s delicious.” He went back to his seat and started chewing.

I couldn’t find the words to say to him and I can feel my face getting red from what he had done. For a moment, I thought that he might kiss me. Fortunately, my phone rung since it was time to leave for my family dinner.

“I need to go.” I grabbed my wallet to pay for the meal.

“Don’t do that, I’ll pay instead.”

“Come on let’s go, we need to ride back to the cable car so we can catch the bus on time.”

“You go alone. I’d like to look around for some more.” Mark smiled at me but his eyes looked sad and disappointed.

“It was nice hanging out with you.” I gave him a little bow. “I really enjoyed it.”

“I wish you could have thought about it for a little longer.” He said to me. “I wish you could’ve given me a different answer. But, that’s okay. I’ll just make you realize that I’m a lot better than him and make you fall in love with me instead. ”

For a moment, my heart skipped a bit. I tried to look away so he could not see that I’m blushing from what he said. Finally, I bid him good bye and immediately went back to the city.

Fortunately, I caught the bus on my way home. By the time I got to the main house, the Christmas party was already starting. My relatives were there including some of my father’s business partners. Everyone was wearing their evening gowns and tuxedo and I was the only one with casual clothes on. As I roam around the living room, saying hi to my cousins, my father approached me.

“You’re late.” He whispered to me. “Change your clothes and dinner will start soon. I have an important announcement.”

I went to my room and saw that there were clothes already laid out for me. I put it on and started fixing my make-up. As I walk down to the dining room, my father was already making a toast.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I have an important news to announce.” He said as he raised his glass. “My wife and I are expecting a baby.”

Everyone cheered and congratulated him as I stayed frozen in my seat. They all dined merrily, chatting and laughing. I can see that my father was so happy so I stayed until the dinner was over. Everyone went to the living room and started waiting for the Christmas Eve but I approached my father and told him that I was tired so I can excused myself.

I grabbed my coat and bag before walking out of the house. I took the taxi on my way to the penthouse. Even though it was late at night, I saw a lot of people in the streets especially couples. I decided to roam around the harbor specifically Meriken Park. Almost all the couples were going to the giant Christmas tree to cuddle around and wait for the fireworks. I was feeling down so I went to the other side of the park to have a look of the sea. I really wish I didn’t come back here and stayed in Seoul instead so I could not see my father and his new wife.

As I look at the giant Ferris wheel at the edge of the harbor, snow started falling down. It was a really cold winter for me so I reached out to my bag and grabbed Jinyoung’s scarf. I was putting it around my neck when my cellphone vibrated. I opened my phone and saw that someone sent me a message on MailPal.

Junior22: Hi. It is a very cold night.

It was Junior22. I had been chatting with him for a long time now.

Omicron: Yeah. It’s actually snowing right now.

Junior22: You must be outside. Me too and it’s snowing too from where I’m at.

Omicron: What are you doing outside?

Junior22: Getting lost hahaha how about you?

Omicron: I’m watching the ferris wheel change color.

After sending the message, I looked at it change from green to orange to blue.

Junior22: Really? What color is it now?

Omicron: Blue

As I sent the message to him, it suddenly turned to pink so I immediately said that it just changed color. He did not reply after that so, I sat on a bench and continued watching the Ferris wheel change its color. The snow continued to fall down so I put my hands inside my pocket since I have no gloves.

Suddenly, a shadow was casted upon me. I looked up and saw that there was an umbrella above me covering me from the snow.

“Finally, I found you.” A familiar voice who was out of breath said.

I immediately turned around as I stood up. For a minute, I thought I was dreaming. I could not believe what my eyes were seeing. I just stared at the owner of the familiar voice as people around us started counting off and finally, the fireworks display begun. Everyone was excited but I was happier. For the first time since I came back in Japan, a miracle happened.

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Authour's Note:

Hi! Thank you so much for patiently waiting for my update. My finals are coming soon but I'll do my best to update regularly. Again, thank you for your comments, I enjoy reading them :)